WHAT IS SONSHINE LEMONADE???

 

Hello!  I’m Janine.  I am so very excited to be launching my crafting business!  I am passionate about creating beautiful personalized items with positive, uplifting messages.

Let me tell you the story behind Sonshine Lemonade.

I’ve been married for 31 years to my best friend Ronnie. He’s my rock and my biggest supporter. We have 2 amazing adult children and we are raising our 7-year-old grandson who loves to craft with me.

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Not long ago I thought I was at the top of the world.  I had been at my social work job for 20 years and I had been promoted to the Director of our program.  I led an amazing team and I loved my job.

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In November of 2019, I took some time off to have knee replacement surgery.  There were complications and I was in & out of the hospital with blood clots in my leg and lung and serious respiratory issues.  A few months later I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer called nodular melanoma. I had seven surgeries/procedures in less than a year and I lost my job. In the middle of all this, we were all hit with COVID.  Life had thrown some lemons my way.

Cancer stinks.  I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.  But despite all that’s going on – MY LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER!!!! Sounds crazy, but it’s true.

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Because I am not working I have was able to do remote learning with my grandson during the pandemic. I have a wonderful support system who has really been there for me when I needed them most.  My marriage has never been better.  And I’ve developed such a keen appreciation of the simple joys of life. And one of the most fun perks is that I finally have time to craft!!!

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Over this past winter, I was concerned that I may fall into a depression.  Normally I am an eternal optimist, but things were really rough.  I am used to being on the move 24/7.  Because of COVID and cancer, I knew I would be cooped up in the house all winter.  I needed a healthy distraction to keep my spirits up.

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So we invested in a Cricut Maker and I started making so many amazingly fun things!!! I am so addicted!!!  It’s my passion!  I’ve worked hard to perfect my craft and now I’m ready to share it with you!!! When I am crafting cancer and COVID and all the problems of the world cease to exist! 

 

So… life threw me lemons, but God turned them into sweet-tasting lemonade!!!!